David Humphrey

Location of Interview
Collection Name

Tucker County, West Virginia Flood Audio Recordings

Description

This series consists of interviews recorded by Michael Kline that document the experience of survivors of the 1985 Tucker County, West Virginia flood.  To browse this collection and others, please visit the Berea College Special Collections & Archives: https://bereaarchives.libraryhost.com/

Interviewer
Date of Interview
03-27-1987
Transcribers

National Capital Contracting

Principal Investigator
Audio
Abstract

On March 27, 1986, Michael Kline interviewed David Humphrey for the Tucker County, West Virginia Flood Audio Recordings project. David Humphrey, born in Alexandria, Virginia, has lived in Parsons, West Virginia, for nearly 25 years. His father, Floyd C. Humphrey, was a miner and mechanic, while his grandfather, Fitz Humphrey, worked in logging camps. In this interview, Humphrey recounts his family's history in the area and the devastating impact of the flood on their lives. He describes his father's transition from working in Baltimore to returning to Parsons due to health concerns and eventually working in the mines until an injury forced his early retirement. Humphrey details his own journey, including dropping out of high school to join the Army, where he worked as a mechanic during the Vietnam era. Humphrey provides a vivid account of the flood, recalling the night it struck and the rapid rise of water levels. He shares his efforts to save his dog and rescue neighbors, highlighting the community's collective struggle against the overwhelming force of the floodwaters. He describes the scene at the VFW, where he witnessed a freezer and a keg being swept away by the current and the destruction of various structures, including garages, homes, and local businesses. The interview also covers Humphrey's attempts to navigate the floodwaters, including a harrowing boat rescue in which he and an elderly man saved a young girl stranded in a tree. Humphrey reflects on the broader implications of the flood, noting the extensive damage to the community and the resilience required to rebuild. He discusses the aftermath, including the loss of vehicles, homes, and livestock, and the challenges of restoring normalcy.

 


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